Overview

Michelle Paninopoulos represents clients in business litigation and dispute resolution. Faegre Drinker’s clients benefit from Michelle’s uncommon combination of experience in commercial and IP litigation, post-graduate study in data privacy and cyberlaw, and municipal and civic service. She rejoined the firm through the OnRamp Fellowship, which supports attorneys returning to the full-time practice of law.

Michelle’s previous experience at the firm includes patent, copyright and trademark litigation, as well as resolution of disputes involving non-compete agreements, breaches of contract, architectural rights and defamation. She was a member of the firm’s trial team for a two-week federal bench trial, Wyeth v. Natural Biologics, which achieved a permanent production injunction protecting the trade-secret process for a pharmaceutical with more than $2 billion in annual sales.

Her other representative matters include defense of a national retailer against a range of trademark and copyright infringement claims, patent infringement defense for a major medical device manufacturer, breach of technology licensing agreement for a telecommunications equipment manufacturer, defense of a copyright claim against a leading credit card network, and software piracy enforcement for a global software compliance advocacy organization.

Personal Interests

Michelle enjoys spending time with her family and serving as an elected official and frequent community volunteer in her borough. She is an adventurous cook and enjoys yoga and swimming. A lover of the beautiful game, she can often be found with her oldest son cheering on the Philadelphia Union.

Credentials

Bar Admissions

Pennsylvania

Education

University of Pennsylvania Law School
J.D. cum laude (2001)

Drexel University Thomas R. Kline School of Law
LL.M. in Cyber Law & Data Privacy (2022)

Drexel University
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Computer Science (2019)

Hamilton College
B.A. in Philosophy, with departmental honors (1988)

Insights & Events

Leadership & Community

Professional Associations

  • International Association of Privacy Professionals

Civic Activities

  • Narberth, Pennsylvania Borough Council — 2018-present; Vice President, 2022-present; Infrastructure Committee, 2022-present; Chair, Property Committee, 2018-20
  • Narberth Zoning Hearing Board — Appointee, 2016-18
  • Narberth Civic Association — Board Member and Secretary, 2014-18
  • Judge of Elections, Narberth Ward 3 — 2014-17

Honors

  • Faegre Drinker — Pro Bono Honor Roll, 2023
  • CALI Excellence for the Future Award — Best Student Performance in Artificial Intelligence & Law, 2022